$300 Million DOJ Settlement in National Opioid Case Against Walgreens Stemming from Medicare Fraud Exposed by Whistleblower
Whistleblower represented by Rabin Kammerer Johnson and Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley
WEST PALM BEACH, FL—In a landmark victory for justice and public health, Rabin Kammerer Johnson (RKJ) and Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley—are announcing a $300 million settlement in a whistleblower qui tam action against Walgreen Co., Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc., and its subsidiaries (collectively, Walgreens). The case alleged widespread Medicare fraud and violations of the Controlled Substances Act arising from Walgreens’ unlawful dispensing of dangerous opioids that helped fuel the nation’s opioid epidemic.
The announcement follows a multiyear investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), culminating in a complaint in intervention filed in January 2025. Adam Rabin of RKJ and Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes of Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley represented a longtime Walgreens pharmacist based in Palm Beach County—one of four whistleblowers whose lawsuits sparked the government’s investigation and intervention in the case.
“This monumental settlement with one of the largest retail pharmacy chains in the United States sends a message that those who put profits over patients’ health and lives will be held accountable,” said Adam Rabin, a founding shareholder at RKJ. “Irresponsible and illegal opioid dispensing practices have devastated many American families and burdened already limited federal healthcare program resources. This settlement is a testament that corporate America will be held responsible when it contributes to one of the largest public health crises our nation has ever faced.”
Walgreens will pay $150 million under the False Claims Act and another $150 million under the Controlled Substances Act. The company also agreed to enter into a seven-year Memorandum of Agreement with the DEA and a five-year Corporate Integrity Agreement with HHS-OIG to ensure stricter oversight and prevent future violations.
According to DOJ’s complaint, Walgreens repeatedly ignored “red flags” and filled opioid prescriptions without legitimate medical purpose—often at dangerously high doses—resulting in patient deaths and further strain on federal healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
“This settlement is a powerful example of how courage, grit and collaboration can create real change,” said Sia Baker-Barnes, a partner at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley. “We are proud to represent a client who stood up against corporate pressure to protect patients and prevent further harm. It is a privilege to support whistleblowers whose integrity helps safeguard communities nationwide and hold companies accountable for placing profits over safety.”
The federal government will receive $274.1 million from the settlement, with $25.9 million designated as a relator share for the whistleblowers. An additional $50 million will be due if Walgreens is sold or merged before fiscal year 2032.
RKJ attorneys Adam Rabin and Havan Clark, along with Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley’s Sia Baker-Barnes, extend their gratitude to DOJ’s legal team—including Assistant U.S. Attorney Valerie R. Raedy, DOJ Trial Attorney Joshua Barron, Deputy Chief Lacy R. Harwell, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carolyn Tapie—for their commitment to justice in this matter.
About Rabin Kammerer Johnson
With over 30 years of experience handling complex business litigation matters, including 16 years specializing in whistleblower qui tam litigation, Rabin Kammerer Johnson’s shareholders and associates have achieved excellent results in significant cases for their clients. The firm’s shareholders are all rated in Best Lawyers in America, and the firm prides itself on having its attorneys serve as leaders within the bar and local community.
About Adam Rabin
A Florida Bar Board Certified Attorney in Business Litigation, Adam Rabin is a founding shareholder of Rabin Kammerer Johnson who has been representing whistleblowers in qui tam cases under the False Claims Act since 2010. The firm has helped recover tens of millions of dollars for federal and state government agencies that have paid out false or fraudulent claims. Mr. Rabin is a past president of the Palm Beach County Bar Association and is the recipient of numerous awards for advocating for improved lawyer professionalism and civility within the legal profession and judicial system.
About Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley
For more than 45 years, Searcy Denney has stood up for those harmed by negligence, dangerous products, and corporate wrongdoing. With a history of landmark cases and a reputation for excellence, the firm fights for justice and accountability on behalf of individuals and families across the country.
About Rosalyn Sia Baker-Barnes
A nationally recognized trial attorney, Sia Baker-Barnes is a shareholder at Searcy Denney Scarola Barnhart & Shipley and a leading advocate for civil justice. She is Board-Certified in Civil Trial Law by the Florida Bar and has recovered over $100 million in verdicts and settlements for her clients. She is included in Best Lawyers in America, Florida Super Lawyers, and the Daily Business Review’s Top 20 Women in Law. A past president of the Palm Beach County Bar Association, she is the recipient of numerous honors and awards for her service to the legal profession. This summer, she will be sworn in as the first African-American female president in the history of The Florida Bar, dating back to 1889, continuing her legacy of leadership, service, and impact in the legal community.
